Fashion however is not a necessity captured by the base of this pyramid. This is because fashion is never been a necessity as such as it is a want. It comes as no surprise however that a large number of consumers place fashion as a necessity and even go to the extent of setting aside a slice of their income to curb their need for fashion products. Clothing is about brand names and these big names garner both publicity and a huge clientele of followers.

For the desire of status and symbol, apparel businesses excel and continue to grow making their stocks worth a mention. The following is a more detailed look at these stocks.

Nike, Inc. (NKE)

The NYSE and the stock trading community as a whole identify this stock with the ticker symbol NKE. In terms of poularity, NIKE rises above the rest. Its tremendous growth saw the stock rise 33% in 2011. Measured by return on equity and sales growth, this apparel company posted a strong run in 2011. It is definitely a company worth investing in.

Coach

If you’re looking to harvest big with fashion try women, as they say. Coach identified with the ticker symbol COH has always made women its primary target market. Mention a Coach purse and you will have touched the heart of most any woman. From purses and handbags to other fine accessories, this company has made a remarkable 25% rise over the last 12 months. Its return on equity is impressive coupled with solid earnings growth. Coach is the stock to look for if you are an investor in the apparel industry; and it can provide some great returns for a longer term buy and hold strategy.

Ralph Lauren Corp (RL)

The Ralph Lauren brand has virtually captured nearly the entire apparel market and has even branched out to venture into fragrances and home furnishings. Ralph Lauren has something for all age groups ranging from children to adult men and women. They have become a household name to nearly all consumers and a darling of many traders. Compared to April 2011, this company has increased in price by 24%. Identified by the stock ticker symbol RL, this company has an excellent rating for its sales projections buoyed by an excited consumer base. Its earnings momentum has been impressive with an above average boost in earnings projections. Ralph Lauren has impressed value investors evidenced by its alpha return on equity rating.

LULULEMON

You don’t have to be athletic to feel the aura of respect that LULULEMON is associated with. This maker and designer of athlete apparel has pitched a tent on the athletics camp. It may be difficult to see but this stock has increased in price by just under 50% from the beginning of 2012. On the NASDAQ, this stock has a ticker symbol indicated as LULU. Its alpha performance in earnings growth combined with another alpha performance on its return on equity makes it an easy target for any investor who wants a buy and hold a stock. Over time, it’s earnings growth has been marvelous and very impressive. For the close followers of this company, you may have realized that it’s earnings projections have been on an upward ladder for several months.

VF

Simple at first sight but solid on margins and earnings, this stock trades on the ticker symbol VFC. Based out of the US, this apparel stock has had a solid run over the past year recording a substantial 42% gain on its stock. Its sales growth, excellent return on equity and increase in earnings projection has made it a choice stock to any trader targeting price growth.